IDS Obtains Rights to Make and Sell Bone Assay

Exclusive rights to manufacture, market, and sell worldwide its Ostase Microplate bone-specific alkaline phosphate (BAP) microplate assay have been granted by Beckman Coulter (Fullerton, CA, USA) to Immunodiagnostic Systems Ltd. (IDS, Boldon, UK).

The Ostase assay uses patented technology to indicate the activity of bone-forming cells called osteoblasts by quantifying levels of BAP, a substance in the blood that reflects bone collagen formation in normal and disease states. The Ostase assay adds an important bone formation marker to the IDS range of skeletal immunoassay kits for the research and clinical markets.

Beckman Coulter will continue to manufacture and market the Access Ostase assay, an automated test that aids in the management of osteoporosis and Paget's disease. The automated assay is available on the company's Access and Access 2 systems, the Synchron 724 clinical system, and the new UniCel DxI 800 Access system. The agreement enables Beckman Coulter to focus on its diagnostic business, while allowing researchers and nonautomated clinical laboratories to benefit from its BAP technology.

"This is very good news for IDS, as we will now close a gap in our product range, entering the growing market for manual BAP assays with a first-class product of excellent reputation,” said Dr. Roger Duggan, managing director of IDS.




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